2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 12%of 58 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander, 12% of the 58 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,750 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While parked and turned off(for 15 minutes), the passenger side seat(heated seat) caught fire. The fire was discovered quickly and extinguished before significant damage took place. I filed a complaint with Mitsubishi who directed me to the local Mitsubishi dealer for a diagnostic. The Mitsubishi(kerry Mitsubishi) dealer would not share the results with me but contacted Mitsubishi. The management team at Mitsubishi rejected any responsibility saying that the fire came from an external source. …”
NHTSA complaint #10598757, filed 2014-06, 89,000 miles“We have a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander that we purchased in 2010. I was following my wife down the road and noticed that when she applied the brakes the brake lights sometimes did not come on. This is a huge safety problem. When we got home I tested it and found that about 20% of the time no brake lights would illuminate. I did some research online to see how difficult it would be to fix and discovered this is a very common problem with several recalls associated with it. It also effects the shift interlock which prevents shifting the car out of park even when the brake pedal is depressed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10652194, filed 2014-11, 94,000 miles“Mitsubishi is fully aware of problems with electronic keys in new models and would not replace the keys. Problems reported by Mitsubishi in technical bulletins to dealers are not treated as equipment recalls, even though known equipment defects are reported. For no apparent reason the electronic key to my Outlander would not start the engine. The electronic key identified as mistsubishi's f.a.s.t key would not work and it is unknown if the defect can occur while the engine is running. …”
NHTSA complaint #10386286, filed 2011-03, 20,500 miles“Vehicle seems to hesitate from starting from a stopped position dealer said without a bulletin from Mitsubishi there is nothing they can do. Problem with seeing radio display during daylight hours also both rear side windows rattle when in down position.”
NHTSA complaint #10226116, filed 2008-04, 1,200 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #10651088, filed 2014-10Related service bulletins
- 11026481Nov 21, 2025Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.
- 10208837Feb 3, 2022This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers informing them to replace the Power Seat Side Shield and apply felt tape when customers complain the Power Seat Side Shield is…
- 10203270Oct 26, 2021This Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers to replace the seat adjuster assembly and power seat harness in affected vehicles with improved countermeasure parts. Due to a…
- 10203267Oct 26, 2021This Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers to replace the seat adjuster assembly and power seat harness in affected vehicles with improved countermeasure parts. Due to a…
- 10159665Apr 23, 2019This is a Technical Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin provides dealers with a basic description of the hands-free systems used in Mitsubishi built vehicles. The bulletin…
- 10158957Mar 28, 2019This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin updates the Chassis Electrical section of the affected Service Manuals to update diagnostics for ETACS-ECU CAN…
- 10152871Dec 14, 2018This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. The bulletin instructs dealers to confirm a list of specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) if vehicle experiences the…
- 10142736Jun 7, 2018This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. It provides dealers instructions for reprogramming the ETACS ECU with updated software to resolve the issue on certain…
- 10117850Aug 15, 2017This is a Technical Service Bulletin, sent to dealers, providing updates to the Chassis Electrical section of the affected Service Manuals, to provide replacement instructions…
- 10057207Dec 1, 2014Mitsubishi 2007-2009 outlander: customers may experience defects with asc off is illuminated on the mid. To correct this condition abs- ecu is required.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 20% |
| 2024 | 6 | 23% |
| 2023 | 12 | 24% |
| 2022 | 26 | 12% |
| 2020 | 12 | 38% |
| 2019 | 7 | 24% |
| 2018 | 9 | 16% |
| 2017 | 8 | 16% |
| 2016 | 12 | 8% |
| 2015 | 6 | 11% |
| 2014 | 3 | 7% |
| 2013 | 4 | 15% |
| 2012 | 2 | 9% |
| 2011 | 9 | 16% |
| 2010 | 6 | 10% |
| 2009 | 3 | 7% |
| 2008 | 7 | 12% |
| 2007 | 13 | 10% |
| 2006 | 4 | 19% |
| 2005 | 2 | 11% |
| 2004 | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 | 9 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology